Brotherly bonds lift cooperation to new heights

Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s visit to China from Thursday to Sunday was undoubtedly a success, with bilateral economic and trade cooperation gaining a significant boost. Cooperation is to be expanded from the traditional energy and mining sectors to infrastructure, agriculture, trade, new energy and the digital economy under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of Angola establishing diplomatic relations with China. The two countries have enjoyed a profound traditional friendship and are good brothers and partners who trust each other. Lourenco’s visit to China, following the successful conclusion of China’s two sessions — the annual gathering of the country’s top legislature and political advisory body — also underscores the strong friendship and exchanges between China and Africa.

The two countries have coordinated with each other on the world stage showing respect to each other’s core concerns and strategic interests. Sino-Angolan cooperation has great potential and can help inject new impetus into not only bilateral relations but also broader China-Africa cooperation.

China’s support and cooperation have greatly promoted Angola’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development, setting an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. Lourenco has been actively promoting reforms in Angola since taking office in 2017, drawing inspiration from China’s development experience.

The cooperation between the two countries is not targeted at any third party.

China stands ready to import more quality products from Angola and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola, and the two sides should also deepen exchanges on medical and health care, human resources development, culture and tourism. The signing of a series of cooperation plans, as well as multiple bilateral cooperation documents means bilateral pragmatic cooperation is mutually beneficial. As the outcomes of Lourenco’s visit demonstrate, China is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, advocate for a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.